ICT and Computer Science

Our aim is to be at the forefront of computer science teaching. We offer a high quality education experience to all our students and facilitate our students in making sense of the ever-changing world of information technology.

We are currently undergoing a period of rapid development to improve our offering, including offering the Edexcel GCSE for the first time this year. We offer a successful programme of combined ICT / Computer Science lessons to our students and we support the rest of the curriculum areas in the increasing demand for integration of IT across the curriculum.

We aim to provide all students with access to the latest trends and developments, and we are always keeping up to date with the world of technology. All of our students are issued a Chromebook for full class teaching, which benefits all subjects. We also have dedicated facilities on both sites, including computer labs with high end Windows and Mac workstations, 3D printers, professional standard graphics tablets, and a variety of practical, hands on equipment. Our facilities are in use throughout the day and are regularly used at lunch times for extracurricular use and for support with computing work.

Nurture & Key Stage 2

Our students start to build ICT and Computer Science skills with taster units in Scratch and micro: bit programming, office software, game making and creativity. Fundamental building blocks of Computer Science are also taught, including key concepts around algorithms, problem solving. These units are designed to get them excited about the subject as well as build up everyday digital skills, ready for KS3.

Key Stage 3

In Key stage 3 students work towards gaining a deeper understanding of programming concepts; they are introduced to the Python programming language, look at computer hardware, e-safety, data representation and develop use of ICT software.

Year 7

Term 1: Digital Skills

Term 2: Living in a digital world (e-safety, how the Internet works)

Term 3: Computational thinking and programming skills

Term 4: Artificial Intelligence

Terms 5 & 6: Physical programming with the BBC micro:bit

Year 8

Term 1: Data Representation

Term 2: Problem solving

Term 3: Cryptography

Term 4: Programming in Python

Terms 5 & 6: iDEA qualification (plus App Development)

Year 9

 

Term 1: Game Theory

Term 2: Data Science

Term 3: Advanced Python Programming

Term 4: Cyber security

Terms 5 & 6: Games development

 

Key Stage 4

In KS4 students study the Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (9-1) qualification. This new GCSE specification incorporates skills such as programming concepts, data representation and computational thinking, and includes an on-screen programming exam. It is an optional qualification that is offered to students at the end of KS3.

Year 10

  • Data Representation, Storage and Transmission

  • Hardware & Software

  • Algorithms, Logic and Programming

Year 11

  • Databases

  • Networks

  • New and Emerging Technologies

  • Ethics and Impacts in Computer Science

  • Security

As of September 2024, students will be able to study a variety of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications such as Games Design and Graphics. There is the potential to offer the A-level qualification for high-achieving students.

In addition, GCSEs in Computer Science and Engineering are offered to those that have not yet done those qualifications.

Key Stage 5